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| LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Jarrod Ravencraft |
Fall is in the air, school has started and SPRF is working for you providing professional development and advancing the public relations profession. I can't believe there's only four months left in 2010!
The annual conference is right around the corner, September 26-28, and I hope I will see you in Baton Rouge, La. Whether you're looking for creative inspiration or hard-hitting instruction, "Evolution 2010" will help you acquire the tools you need to build successful campaigns and projects, connect with other professionals in the region and reenergize your career.
PRAL Baton Rouge members are waiting to greet you in the "Red Stick." PRAM Central and PRCA Montgomery chapters are leading the way in registration numbers followed closely by PRAM Mississippi Beach and ECPRO. In the middle of the numbers, we've got PRAL Alexandria; PRAM Gulf Coast, Pine Belt and Starkville/Mississippi State, and PRCA Birmingham and North Alabama. Also making a showing at this point are PRAL Acadiana, PRAM Oxford/Ole Miss and Northeast, and PRCA Mobile.
We're staying at the newly restored Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center overlooking the Mississippi River in the center of art and culture in downtown. We've made it economical for you; so, click here and register today.
I have listed below some of our current, ongoing benefits so you know how SPRF is working for you:
- Chapter of Distinction (COD) - In the second year of this program, local chapters from Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi will be honored in eight categories, and the Jamie Palmer Chapter of Distinction and President of the Year will be awarded at the annual conference. Click here for more information.
- Regional Awards Programs - The Lantern Awards winners have been notified. ECPRO, PRAL, PRAM and PRCA have selected their nominees for this year's Professional Achievement Award and Educator of the Year. Local chapters have selected members to receive the Senior Practitioner designation. All of these nominees and winners will be honored at the annual conference. For information on these programs, log on to www.sprf.org.
- Senior Leadership Council - Click here and learn about the founding members, past presidents, board members and other sundry "Grovers" who have made a significant contribution to the field of public relations. At the Annual Conference, we'll find out who will be inducted as part of the inaugural class of the South Public Relations Hall of Fame. Contact Adam Kelley, APR, past president, for more information.
- Accreditation / APR - SPRF represents you as a participating member of the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB) for Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) and offers a subsidy for members who take the exam. There is a new credentialing effort for military, contractor and Department of Defense public communication professionals. Contact John Forde, APR, or Missy Laborde, APR, who represent SPRF on the UAB, or click here.
- Online Membership Directory - Please make sure your information is updated in the directory. For questions, contact Susan Broussard, APR , vice president membership.
- Website - We offer opportunities for you to promote conferences, meetings, professional achievements and any other type of public relations information. To learn more, contact Pam Swain, vice president communications.
SPRF is offering benefits to state organizations and local chapters to receive web services at a low cost. Following our "umbrella" model of focusing SPRF efforts on responsibility for mutual state organization/local chapter needs, this service is intended to save state organizations/local chapters money, improve SPRF value to you and make membership in your organization more desirable. For more information, have your state organization or local chapter communication officer contact me.
I hope you are a great start to fall 2010, and I look forward to seeing you in Baton Rouge. The board welcomes your questions and feedback. Thank you for your commitment and dedication to the public relations profession. Please contact me if I may be of assistance to you or your local chapter.
Sincerely,
Jarrod Ravencraft
President
Southern Public Relations Federation |
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SPRF Conference - Baton Rouge, LA - Sept. 26-28
Evolve·Adapt·Grow·Expand·Improve·Progress·Refine·Rebrand
No matter how the economy looks now or 6 months from now, the most important change is how YOU adapt, evolve and grow to continue to be relevant. All major events cause significant change. You can choose to fight it or you can learn how to successfully work within this continually evolving business and media climate. "Evolution" is the overall theme of the 2010 SPRF conference...and we've asked some of the best PR and media professionals to share their experiences, challenges, how they are adapting and evolving, and what it's taking for them to find success. Interested in sharing ideas with other people in your industry? Susan Broussard will lead the Professional Development groups on Monday, September 27th, from 3:30-5 p.m.. Also, come and network at Sunday evening's Welcome Reception and the Downtown Wine Walk scheduled for Monday evening. You will find lots to do in Baton Rouge at www.VisitBatonRouge.com or www.225batonrouge.com
Lastly, don't forget to bring lots of business cards to register for prizes with vendors and pass out at the networking events!
Think you know about every SPRF 2010 speaker?
 Gloria Story Dittus, CEO of Story Partners in Washington, D.C. is our Tuesday luncheon keynote speaker. She will address The Successful PR Enterprise: what are the keys to building a successful PR career in good times and bad. Gloria's bio reads like a Who's Who in public relations/public affairs. Check out her website: www.StoryPartnersDC.com
Student Star Power! How to Harness Student Talent When Your Organization is on a Budget
With major budget cuts in higher education looming in the near future, no one knows more than Beverly that it will take a great deal of ingenuity, adaptation and fortitude to reach the goals of the Forever LSU campaign...and, as you'll learn, they've already started the creative part. Beverly Brooks Major, CFRE - Director, Forever LSU and Sara Crow - Director of Foundation Communications, LSU Foundation will discuss how the Forever LSU Campaign developed a contest that challenged the LSU Student Body to create a short video to raise awareness of the campaign among their peers. Finalists were mentored by an Emmy award-winning LSU alum to polish their videos for a student vote. The result was so successful that LSU is now using the student video for the entire campaign and has also developed it into a corresponding print campaign. This is just one example of how student talent can be utilized to the fullest. Come to learn more about this National CASE and Addy Award winning effort and how to resource talent and unleash the creative power of students to assist in your organization!  If there was any one group that seemed to have faced major changes in the past couple of years, most would agree it was the non-profit sector. Ann Silverberg Williamson, President and CEO of the Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations (LANO) will address Helping Nonprofits Thrive in Turbulent Times. The Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations (LANO) is a statewide network of nonprofits, foundations, corporations and individuals dedicated to supporting Louisiana's nonprofit sector. LANO's mission is to strengthen, promote and build the capacity of nonprofits through education, advocacy and member services.
Williamson served the Louisiana Department of Social Services (DSS) from 2001-2008, holding consecutive posts as Assistant Secretary, Deputy Secretary, and beginning in 2004, department Secretary. While at DSS, Williamson championed the development of the integrated human service delivery program known as "No Wrong Door" and led the department's emergency response to catastrophic hurricanes impacting the state. During her tenure, the U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded DSS the Pinnacle Award, a national citation of excellence, for the department's efforts following the storms. Williamson graduated from Wofford College, in Spartanburg, South Carolina with a degree in theology; she then returned to Louisiana to earn a master's in Social Work from LSU. After graduation, Williamson served as Assistant Director of the newly formed LANO, managing the America's Promise program. She has been recognized as one of the Baton Rouge Business Report's Influential Women and received awards from both Wofford College and LSU as a Distinguished Alumna.  Even in the deafening sound of email and social media, we keep hearing that basic PR tools, such as the press release and media kit, are still relevant. What do you think? Dr. Jinx Broussard, Ph.D. - Associate Professor; William B. Dickinson Professorship in Journalism; Public Relations Area Head will address Tools in the Strategic Communication Arsenal. With such emphases on social media, are press releases still relevant and useful in PR today?
Dr. Broussard has held numerous academic and professional positions before joining LSU's faculty, where she focuses on public relations courses. She taught and served in a variety of positions at Dillard University, including co-chair of the Mass Communication Department from 2004 - 2006. She was the coordinator of a unique collaboration between Dillard University and the Manship School of Mass Communication. Broussard is a facilitator/faculty member for the New York Times Summer Journalism Institute. As owner and president of Jinx Broussard Consulting and Public Relations, Inc., which she established in 1994, Broussard worked with a variety of businesses and organizations in New Orleans and beyond. She worked as the Louisiana Press Secretary for the Clinton-Gore Campaign in 1992 and served as press secretary to Mayor Sidney J. Barthelemy in New Orleans for seven years. She began her career as a reporter. Broussard was the first African-American to earn an undergraduate degree in journalism from LSU. She also earned her M.A. from LSU, where she completed a thesis entitled 'Establishment of a Public Information Program for the City of New Orleans." See you next month in the "Red Stick!" Please remind friends, other SPRF members and non-members to sign up for the conference!
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Heading to Baton Rouge This Month for the SPRF Conference?
Here's Some People to Know, Places to Go!
 If you're coming to the "Red Stick," better known as Baton Rouge, La., this month for the Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF) conference, your host, the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), has the inside scoop on people, places and events. The PRAL Web site address is www.pralbr.org, and, for more information, you can always e-mail the Baton Rouge Chapter at information@pralbr.org.
Baton Rouge is a capital city with a rich history, a wonderful natural environment accented by swamps and the Mississippi River, two world-renown institutions of higher learning, great entertainment, upscale shopping, fine dining and some of the best nightlife around.
While you're in town, please get to know the PRAL Baton Rouge Board of Directors, including President Amy Nolan, APR ( amynolan@cox.net, cell 225-328-0608); Vice President Sadie Wilks, APR (also the local Public Relations Society of America chapter president, sadie@lasm.com, cell 225-788-6215); and the Conference Committee Chairwoman, Shelly Dupre` (also a Board member, shelly@410communications.com, cell 337.962.5288).
While you're in town, take a moment to explore the city. Here are a few ideas (thanks in part to The Advocate newspaper):
1. Shop
Main Street Market on Fifth Street at Main (eclectic local crafts, art, produce)
Perkins Rowe at Perkins Road and Bluebonnet (upscale boutiques, restaurants, fountains)
The Mall at Cortana off Florida Boulevard at Airline
Louisiana Mall at Bluebonnet near Interstate 10
Towne Center off Corporate and Jefferson
Shopping Baton Rouge LA Louisiana + Outlet Mall - City Guide
2. Listen to live music
"Live At Five"
3rd Street [Map]
5-8 p.m. in spring and fall
Admission is free
This outdoor concert series is held in the spring and fall for 6 weeks. The event features a varity of bands from Cajun to blues and pop music. (There are no concerts this month, check back later for a schedule)
3. Eat Louisiana cuisine
Enough said... Ca c'est bon!
Find places to eat in Baton Rouge
4. See a castle Old State Capitol 100 North Blvd. [Map]225-342-0500; www.sec.state.la.us/museumsTues. to Sat.,10-4 p.m. and Sun., 12-4 p.m. Admission is $4 - Louisiana's own castle on the river features fantastic stained-glass dome with more than 3,000 azure, amber and ruby panels. The interactive displays, special events and historic exhibits make it worth the trip.
5. Visit a governor's mansionLouisiana Governor's Mansion 1001 Capitol Access Road [Map]225-342-5855; gov.state.la.us/mansion.aspTours by appointment - Built in 1963 in modified Greek revival style as a replica of one of the state's plantations, the mansion functions as our governor's home away from home. Old Governor's Mansion
502 North Blvd. [Map]
225-387-2464; www.oldgovernorsmansion.org
Tues. to Frid., 10-4 p.m.
Admission is $5
- Built in 1930 by Gov. Huey P. Long as "Louisiana's White House," the Georgian-style mansion features original crystal chandeliers and hand-printed French wallpaper.
6. Sleep on a battleship
U.S.S. Kidd Veterans Memorial
305 S. River Road [Map]
225-342-1942; www.usskidd.com
Daily, 9-5 p.m.
Admission is $7
Call for overnight reservations
- The Kidd is the only World War II, Fletcher Class destroyer in the U.S. that has been meticulously restored to its V-J Day configuration. Also not to be missed is the Adjacent Veterans Museum, Louisiana's Vietnam War Memorial, the "Old Ironsides" exhibit, the U.S. Navy WAVES exhibit and the Veterans Memorial Plaza.
7. Go to LSU
Louisiana State University
www.lsu.edu/visitors
- See campus landmarks such as the historic Indian Mounds, the LSU Memorial Clock Tower, Natural History Museum, Museum of Natural Science, Union Art Gallery, famous Tiger Stadium, Alex Box Stadium or live bengal tiger mascot, Mike the Tiger.
Find more information on LSU
Find more information on Mike the Tiger
8. Go to Southern
Southern University
www.subr.edu/campusvisitors.html
- With more than 9,000 students, Southern is Louisiana's largest and oldest historically black university. Visit to see the most scenic public overlook in Baton Rouge and a live jaguar mascot, LaCumba.
Find more information on SU
Find more information on LaCumba
9. Party like a college student
Varsity Theatre nightclub
3353 Higland Road [Map]
225-383-7018; www.varsitytheatre.com
- Located just outside the north gates of LSU campus, this theatre and nightclub boasts the hottest live acts and "world-class entertainment" It is an easy walk from anywhere on the LSU campus.
Tigerland area nightclubs
Bob Pettit Blvd. [Map]
- The Tigerland area is home to a collection of bars and nightclubs including Fred's Bar, Reggie's, Rotolo's, Tiger Bar and Dublin's.
10. See a show
Baton Rouge Little Theater
7155 Florida Blvd. [Map]
225-924-6496; www.brlt.org
Tickets around $20
- The theater group offers a series of shows, a summer musical, classes, workshops and special performances.
Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra
161 Third St. [Map]
225-388-0500; www.brso.org
Ticket up to $50
- The Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Timothy Muffit, offers a musical show with a first-class symphony orchestra.
See also: Swine Palace Productions or LSU Theatre
Find movie locations and times
11. See some art
Louisiana Art and Science Museum
100 S. River Road [Map]
225-344-5272; www.lasm.org
Tues. to Sat., 10-4 p.m. and Sun., 1-5 p.m.
Admission is $5
- Housed in a historic train station, this museum on the Mississippi features fine art exhibitions, hands-on art and science galleries for children, a creative playroom with art activities and an Ancient Egypt gallery. It also has Louisiana's only Challenger Learning Center, which allows groups with advance registration to undertake simulated space missions.
See also: BREC galleries and Shaw Center for the Arts
12. See the stars
Irene W. Pennington Planetarium
100 S. River Road [Map]
225-344-5272; www.lasm.org
Doors open on the hour before each show
Admission is $7 per show
- The planetarium features two to three different planetarium sky shows, laser shows and large-format films on a 60-foot dome screen.
BREC/LSU/BRAS Highland Observatory
13800 Highland Road [Map]
225-768-9948; www.brec.org
Fri., 3-10 p.m. and Sat. 9:30-12:30 p.m.
Admission is free
- Study the stars through a 20-inch equatorial mount telescope. Tours, Friday night campfures and Saturday science programs also can be scheduled. Personal lawn chairs and binoculars are favorable.
13. Explore Bluebonnet Swamp
BREC's Bluebonnet Swamp
10503 N. Oak Hills Parkway [Map]
225-757-8905, www.brec.org
Admission is $2 - $3
Tues. to Sat., 9-5 p.m. and Sun. 12-5 p.m.
- A 101-acre facility with more than two miles of walking trails meandering through shady woods and picturesque swamps.
14. Visit the Baton Rouge Zoo
BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo
3601 Thomas Road [Map]
225-775-3877; www.brzoo.org
Daily, 9:30-5 p.m.
- Discover the exciting animal kingdom at the Baton Rouge Zoo, home to more than 1,800 animals. Exhibits include the Otter Pond, L'aquarium de Louisiane, Parrot Paradise, and the KidsZoo.
15. Admire botanical gardens
LSU Burden Center gardens
I-10 at Essen Lane [Map]
225-765-2437; www.lsuagcenter.com/inst/
research/stations/burden
Daily, 8:30-5 p.m.
Admission is $7
- As a part of the LSU Rural Life Museum, the main Windrush Garden features 25 acres of semiformal gardens designed by renowned landscape artist Steele Burden. At the same location, also visit the All-American Rose Garden, Orangerie and a horticulture market.
See also: BREC's Cohn Memorial Arboretum, BREC's Botanic Gardens and LSU Hilltop Arboretum
16. Gamble on the river
Hollywood Casino or Casino Rouge
Downtown on the Mississippi River
17. Play like a child
Blue Bayou Water Park/ Dixie Landin' Theme Park
18142 Perkins Road [Map]
225-753-3333; www.bluebayou.com
Hours and admission is seasonal
- These family entertainment theme parks specialize in water attractions and amusement rides.
18. Attend a festival
Louisiana is a place where people like to have a good time -- plain and simple. So it's no suprise that there's a festival for just about every Louisiana product under the sun.
Find top 10 area festivals
Find more Louisiana festivals
19. Visit a plantation
Magnolia Mound Plantation
2161 Nicholson Drive [Map]
225-343-4955; www.magnoliamound.org
Tues. to Sat., 10-4 p.m. and Sun. 1-4 p.m.
Admission is $8
- Built in 1791 and authentically restored, this French Creole house sits on 16 of the original 900 acres. The interior of the home features authentic Louisiana and federal furnishings.
Mount Hope Plantation
8151 Highland Road [Map]
225-761-7000; www.cr.nps.gov/nr/travel/louisiana/mou.htm
Hours by appointment
- This restored 19th century plantation home has recently re-opened for tours, bed and breakfast overnights, corporate functions and family reunions.
Find more plantation homes |
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SPRF Conference Vendor Fair - We Can Still Make Room for YOU!
Do you want more clients? Increase your client base by becoming a vendor at the 2010 SPRF Annual Conference, " Evolution" in Baton Rouge, Louisiana September 26-28. We will invite over 1,500 public relations, marketing and advertising professionals to attend. You will have the opportunity to promote your company's services to top decision makers and build relationships with leading professionals in the field from Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. SPRF VENDOR FAIR PACKAGES· PACKAGE A - $525 Booth & Full Conference Registration · PACKAGE B - $350 Booth Only · PACKAGE C - $150 Support and Display resources · Vendor booths include: 6x6 ft. skirted display table, 2 folding chairs, 1 waste basket LOCATION FEATURES· Baton Rouge Hilton Capitol Center is a historic AAA Diamond hotel centrally located in the arts and entertainment district of Baton Rouge. · On-site steak and Cajun cuisine at The Kingfish restaurant, drinks at Kingfish lounge, Huey's Coffee Shop, spa treatments and massages at Atelier Rouge Hair & Body. · Explore the Shaw Center for the Arts, which is home to the LSU Museum of Art and Manship Theatre, and check out the rooftop sushi bar, Tsunamis, located across the street. CONFERENCE FEATURES
· "Business As Usual is Over, The Survivor's Guide for Change" · "A Formual for Fueling Agency New Business Through Social Media" · "Marketing Super Bowl 2013" · "Personal Branding Era: Opportunities & Threats" · "How Email Marketing Augments Public Relations Campaigns" · "Increasing Employee Engagement Through Internal Communications" · "Kicking the Tires, Vetting the Client: Advice for Solo, Independent & Freelance Pros" It will be the best way for you to reach PR professionals from across the South. If you have questions, please contact Kim Collins, APR at 662-321-1043 or kim@collinspr.com or Ashlee Reid at lauren.ashlee.reid@gmail.com. Also, visit SPRF.org for more information about the upcoming conference. SPRF Hotel Rate is $109 plus 9% tax, visit www.hilton.com or call 800-955-6962 or 225-344-5866. |
| SPRF Announces Formation of Public Relations Hall of Fame
The Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF) recently announced the creation of the Southern Public Relations Hall of Fame. The Hall, to be housed in the Mitchell Memorial Library on the campus of Mississippi State University, will recognize outstanding lifetime achievement in the field of public relations, and is co-sponsored by SPRF and the MSU Department of Communications.
The inaugural class will be inducted at the organization's 2010 Conference to be held Sept. 26-28 at the Hilton Capitol Center.
The purpose of the Southern Public Relations Hall of Fame is to recognize the distinguished accomplishments, commitment and leadership of professional public relations practitioners and educators from the southeastern U.S., for the benefit of promoting the PR profession. Inductees will be former southern public relations practitioners or educators who have brought honor to the PR field.
Induction into the Hall is intended to identify past leaders in our industry whose memory should be honored and promote the profession about the extraordinary achievements, accomplishments and contributions of the inductees as well as SPRF and its members and member organizations.
"The board is particularly excited that this year's conference will be the one where we induct the inaugural class into the Southern Public Relations Hall of Fame," said Jarrod Ravencraft, SPRF President. "To be able to honor those in our region who so richly deserve this recognition is not only personally satisfying, but I want our members to know that we are working closely with Mississippi State's Department of Communications to create something all our members can be proud and will want to visit." |
Student Workshops, Awards New At This Year's SPRF Conference
This year's SPRF Conference in Baton Rouge will feature two workshops designed just for students -- resume and portfolio writing, and networking 101. These sessions will be held Sunday afternoon, September 26. Throughout the rest of the conference, students will have an opportunity to try out their networking skills meeting and socializing with other students and PR professionals from across the region. Some of the regular conference sessions that may be of more interest to students include a campaign case study -- LSU's 150th anniversary campaign - an expert panel on the Gulf oil spill, media training and advice for freelancers. (Freelancing is a nice way to earn a little extra money starting out or throughout your career.)  This year, the organization is also debuting its student awards competition The Legends. The competition will recognize the best student PR campaign as well as those campaigns earning the highest marks for creativity, writing, resource management and use of new media. This week, the top three finalists are being invited to present their campaigns to a panel of judges at the conference in Baton Rouge. The winners will be announced during the awards luncheon on Monday, September 27. But the annual conference is more than just a wonderful opportunity to increase your knowledge and skills; it's a lot of fun! From the welcome reception on Sunday, to the awards banquet Tuesday evening, the annual conference always delivers good times with new and old friends. And this year's Conference Host Committee is working to ensure that this year is no exception - for our students as well as our professional members. For more information or to register, visit the conference website. Hope to see you in Baton Rouge! |
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Why I'm APR?
Submitted by Kristina L. Hendrix, APR
Kristin L. Hendrix, APR | Personal satisfaction. Career advancement. Lifelong learning. All of these are great reasons to sit for your Accreditation in Public Relations. The reason I chose to become accredited spans many. My sister motivated me to look into becoming accredited. I have a degree in Public Relations but I knew I was out of practice of correctly formulating a measurable PR plan. I had not been active in PRCA since college. I knew I needed a professional organization that would help me to advance my knowledge of our industry and get reinvigorated. Upon going to my first meeting, the program was "APR is for April." Learning about the correct knowledge, skills, and abilities to do my job accurately just intrigued me. I immediately applied! I wrote and rewrote and edited and reedited my questionnaire to clearly convey my understanding of public relations and how it relates to my career. Moving into the Readiness Review part of the process was nerve-racking, exciting, overwhelming, and humbling. I was determined to have a good showing of my work and my understanding of PR. I decided to have my Readiness Review at the 2009 SPRF Conference. Being around accomplished PR professionals and having the spirit of EXCELLENT Public Relations in the air made me want to become accredited even more. I spoke to accredited SPRF members like Amy Reagan, Melissa Bullard, Sabrina McLaughlin, Marian Faulk, Nan Baldwin, Kara Paulk, Susan Broussard, and Dr. John Forde about what to expect going into the Readiness Review. They were all the biggest cheerleaders for the cause. Their advice and support helped me to excel. Oh, the exam was the apex of it all. This was it! I told all my friends and family that I was taking the exam in February. I studied everyday for a couple of months. I squeezed in a couple of hours at work. Turned off the TV, powered down the computer, and set the phone to vibrate and studied the APR study guide nightly. On one cold and rainy February morning, I arrived with my mind focused and my eyes set to see the word 'PASS' next to 'Unofficial Results'. Almost 3 hours went by of comprehending the different case studies and definitions. Finally, it was time to press the lovely button that scores the exam. Pass. Pass. PASS!!!!! I passed the APR exam.  I encourage each of you to become accredited. It was one of my finest accomplishments in the six years of my professional career. I have more confidence in my work. My colleagues respect and value my opinion. So next time when you think "Maybe next year" or "Getting my APR won't help me", it will definitely advance your skills to being a better practitioner. |
| Keep Your Member Profile Up to Date
It is critical that you keep your profile updated so you receive the benefits you expect and pay for from SPRF, ECPRO, PRAL, PRAM, PRCA and your local chapter.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR UPDATING MEMBER PROFILES IN THE SPRF ONLINE DIRECTORY
On the right side of the page, locate the Member login and password section to the private section of the website.
Use your email address on file with our chapter. If your e-mail is invalid, send an e-mail request to Susan Broussard, SPRF vice president of membership, susan.broussard@cleco.com, and it will be corrected.
All passwords have been changed to lowercase sprf unless you have previously logged in and changed your password. Then, it will be the password you have chosen.
This will open the private membership page that has the Membership Directory.
To update your personal membership record, click on Edit My Directory Profile.
Update your info and click on update.
Helpful Hints for Accurate Records
For password, change it to something personal, but remember, your default will always be lowercase sprf.
For e-mail, be sure you have a valid e-mail address. Most of the communication at the regional, state and local level is sent to members via e-mail from this directory.
Be sure you include the area code on all your phone numbers.
Please include home phone numbers and URLs.
If a member's name is "Mary Jones-Smith," then the hyphenated "Jones-Smith" goes in the last name column. If a member's name is "Mary Jones Smith," then only the Smith goes in the last name column.
If a corporate membership is paid, but the company has not selected an employee to fill the membership, then put "TBA" in the first name and last name columns.
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SPRF Silent Auction to Highlight Treasures from Around the Region
As public relations professionals, we know all about highlighting the treasures in our organizations. The 2010 Southern Public Relations Federation Conference in Baton Rouge will give us the opportunity to highlight the treasures in our hometowns, see the treasures that the other cities and towns across our region hold and even take a few of those treasures home.
The 2010 SPRF Conference will include a Silent Auction, giving all SPRF members a chance to highlight the treasures in your hometown. Is your hometown also the home of a famous athlete, a renowned author or artist, an accomplished musician or a restaurant known throughout the South? If so, please plan to highlight them and help raise funds for SPRF at the same time!
By donating an item to the Silent Auction, you have the opportunity to showcase your town and highlight its treasures. There are lots of items that would be a big hit:
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A college football signed by the coaching staff
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A basket with a signed cookbook, food items and a restaurant gift certificate
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A bag filled with beauty potions, scented candles and a gift certificate for a day at a spa
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A bucket holding a t-shirt, bottles of barbeque sauce and a gift certificate for dinner for two at a world-famous barbeque restaurant
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Hand-made, one-of-a-kind items, such as jewelry, pottery and artwork
Local convention and visitors' bureaus love showing off the jewels of their cities and towns, so you may want to contact them about donating a basket of items to encourage SPRF members to visit their cities next. Hopefully, every chapter and state organization will be represented with at least one item in the Silent Auction. When you decide what you would like to donate, you may either ship the items to Caron Blanton, APR, Mississippi Department of Education, 359 North West Street, Suite 310, Jackson, MS 39201 or bring the items to the SPRF Conference with you. If you choose to bring your item to the conference, please e-mail Caron with a full description of the item, name of the donor and the value of the item. The SPRF Conference will be held September 26-28, 2010, in Baton Rouge and offers us a wonderful opportunity to take home good ideas, great memories and even a new treasure for our home, office or ourselves! |
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SPRF APR Fall Update
Submitted by Dr. John E. Forde, APR
SPRF Vice President of Accreditation
Dr. John E. Forde, APR |
SPRF Friends and Colleagues,
I hope you all had a great summer as we look forward to the changing fall weather and new activities. I know the pace quickens for many of us, but I hope you have some relaxing times built in as well in the coming months.
One place you could relax is at the SPRF Conference in Baton Rouge. . . I encourage you to register if you haven't already. Our conference is always a great professional revival and opportunity to see long-time (notice I didn't say old) friends and make new acquaintances. Networking opportunities abound at our conference. (I'm especially excited about the new Southern Public Relations Hall of Fame where we will honor several of our long-time mentors in SPRF.)
Missy LaBorde, APR, and I continue to enjoy our work with the Universal Accreditation Board and appreciate your support. As some of you know, this service typically entails attending three meetings a year over weekends in New York. We also have an optional brief meeting at the PRSA International Conference for anyone who is attending. In addition, we have work groups that meet throughout the two-day meetings in New York and also collaborate on various projects through e-mail, direct phone calls, and conference calls throughout the year from our various locations.
One of our most recent projects now complete is the revision of the APR Study Guide (2nd Edition). This is available for any candidates or others to download for free here on the UAB website. The updated Coach's Version is planned for release in September.
The new APR+M program is now established for our practitioners in the military and related fields. Click here for more details.
Excellent steps are being taken for an entry-level credential for graduating public relations students. Beta tests are being conducted, fees are being evaluated, and various procedures are being considered. All responses concerning this new program have been very positive.
We still have Readiness Review opportunities available at the SPRF Conference from September 26-28 in Baton Rouge. So far only one candidate has expressed specific interest in scheduling a time. We will work with the conference committee to schedule a meeting room and to contact three panelists for each candidate. Remember that this process is confidential and only a small number of APR officers and the panelists will know who is sitting for the sessions. Anyone interested should contact the appropriate APR chair to work with us to set up the specifics.
Our recent UAB meetings were September 12-13 in New York and then we will have a brief informal meeting during the PRSA Conference on October 17 in Washington D.C. All of the UAB members work hard during these meetings and virtually every day to enhance the overall reputation and importance of the APR credential.
Please provide Missy or me with any suggestions on how to better represent you on the UAB. We value working with our colleagues of other member organizations from throughout the country and Puerto Rico. You can continue to find many pages of detailed information about accrediation at www.praccreditation.org.
I'm excited about the continued growth of SPRF, both in numbers and services for our members. I look forward to seeing many of you in Baton Rouge in a few short weeks!
John
Dr. John E. Forde, APR
SPRF Vice President of Accreditation Associate Professor and Head Department of Communication P.O. Box PF Mississippi State, MS 39762 662-325-8033-office 662-312-5031-mobile 662-324-0168-home 662-325-3210-fax jforde@comm.msstate.eduwww.comm.msstate.edufacebook.com/Dr.John.E.Forde.APR. twitter.com/JohnEFordeAPR ____________________________________
Interested in becoming Accredited in Public Relations?
Take a look at www.praccreditation.org and see what new resources are available. Your colleagues in SPRF want to help you earn this credential. Go to www.sprf.org and find contact colleagues and other information. There is also an online study course now available. Take a sneak peak by clicking here. Also see who is accredited in SPRF what other organizations work together on APR by clicking here. Want more information? Contact Dr. John E. Forde, APR - 662-325-8033 or jforde@comm.msstate.edu |
Stay connected through SPRFs Facebook and Linkedin Pages
 Do you love keeping up with all your friends and colleagues on Facebook and Linkedin? If so, you'll definitely want to join the SPRF Facebook and Linkedin groups and check out the latest PR discussions and postings of information about upcoming SPRF events!
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List YOUR Events on the SPRF Master Calendar
Are your chapter's meetings listed in the SPRF Master Calendar at www.sprf.org? If not, don't get left out - send your meeting dates (i.e., PRCA-Birmingham typically meets the first Thursday of each month) to Pam Swain so you can get your meetings promoted across the region. So far PRCA-Birmingham, PRCA-Montgomery, PRAM-Central, PRAM-Mississippi Beach, PRAM-Oxford/Ole Miss, ECPRO, PRAL-Baton Rouge and PRAL-Alexandria are the only chapters listed. Don't get left behind! | | 2010 SPRF Board Meetings
Sept. 26 - 3 p.m. in Baton Rouge, La. (at SPRF Conference)
Dec. 9-10 - Meridian, Miss. (time TBA, Board Retreat and Transition meeting) |
SPRF Now Offering Constant Contact and Survey Monkey to Members
SPRF is pleased to offer its Constant Contact and SurveyMonkey accounts to its membership for all SPRF-related business. To inquire and make arrangements, please contact Jarrod Ravencraft, Pam Swain or Kim Collins, APR to get started... | |
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SPRF CHAPTER AND MEMBER NEWS
River City Chapter News LIVE UNITED at the Bazsinsky House You are cordially invited to attend a business social to benefit the United Way of West Central MS September 21, 2010 - 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. - Historic Bazsinsky House - 1022 Monroe Street Light Hors d ' oeurves - Sponsored by the Public Relations Association of MS River City Chapter RSVP: river.city.pram@gmail.com $10 Donation Requested - Proceeds benefit the United Way of West Central MS  Joseph Bazsinsky acquired the property and built his townhouse there as a wealthy bachelor in 1840. In 1850, Bazsinsky married Adeline Levy from New Orleans , and the house grew as their family grew to include 17 children. The property remained in the same family for four generations until the early 21st Century and is an excellent example of the architectural mysteries created by changing times, needs, and desires. The property is now a bed and breakfast and event venue. The home is decorated with an eclectic mix of art and antiques. Meridian Chapter News Meridian PRAM has had several good programs. Topics have included Constant Contact e-marketing program, the "Message Triangle," and communicating with members of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. We are planning a social for Oct. 21, 2010, 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Meridian. ________________________________________________________________________________ PRCA News
Montgomery Member Wins Second APEX Award of Excellence
Montgomery PRCA Board Member Lori M. Quiller was recently awarded the APEX 2010 Award of Excellence for the second consecutive year in the category of Magazines and Journals-Print. This year, Quiller was one of two winners from Montgomery and one of nine in Alabama recognized by the APEX Awards program.
"To have received this international award for the second consecutive year absolutely takes my breath away!," Quiller said. "I feel as though I was born to be a writer, so to receive an award for my writing and graphic design skills, given that there were entries and award winners from so many countries outside the United States, is truly a special honor to me."
Quiller is a long-time member, board member and past president of the Montgomery Chapter of Public Relations Council of Alabama and is also a member of the Southern Public Relations Federation. She has received numerous awards for her writing and graphic design abilities through PRCA's Medallion Awards Program through the years. APEX 2010, the 22nd Annual Awards for Publication Excellence, is an international competition recognizing outstanding publications from newsletters and magazines to annual reports, brochures and Web sites.
Winners this year were named from not only the United States, but also Canada, Singapore, Oman, South Africa, United Kingdom, Italy, India and Japan. According to the APEX 2010 judges, the awards were based on excellence in graphic design, quality of editorial content and the success of the entry in conveying the message and achieving overall communications effectiveness. Awards were given in 127 communications categories, in 11 main categories including: newsletters; magazines and journals; magapapers and newspapers; annual reports; brochures, manuals and reports; electronic and video publications; Web and intranet sites; campaigns, programs and plans; writing; design and illustration; and one-of-a-kind publications. PRCA Montgomery Chapter News  PRCA Mobile hosted entertaining Toolkit Seminar  The Mobile Chapter put on Tool Kit 2010: Extreme Makeover, the PR Edition that focused on becoming the best professional you can be. Speakers included John Walker, Senior Vice President of Telecommunications and Technology with Edelman Public Relations who gave a presentation entitled on Creating and Executing a Communications Plan...What You Didn't Learn in School. Carolyn Akers of the Mobile Area Education Foundation spoke about the book "Now, Discover your Strengths" by Marcus Buckingham to identify the foundation staff's strengths and utilize them to create an effective organization. After lunch, two local experts, Judy Marston and Haley Hill entertained the group with presentations on understanding and working with multiple generations, how to create your own professional image, especially when seeking career advancement and being the "face" of any organization. PRCA Mobile Annual Community Service Project
 PRCA Mobile is pleased to announce the Beverly M. Burton Scholarship Trust as this year's community service project. As a supporting organization to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Trust directly provides scholarships each year to the Youth of the Year Award recipient in the states of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. The trust was set-up in memory of Beverly Burton, a local Mobilian whose involvement with the organization helped transform the Clubs presence in Mobile from 2 clubs and an annual budget of $191,000 to 19 clubs and an annual budget of $6.8 million.
In addition, Murphy High School student Nathan Campbell was this year's recipient of the Alabama Youth of the Year. Nathan has been a member of the Cody Road Club for the past eight years. At the Club, Nathan participates in the Junior Leaders program, Job Ready program, the Gavel Club program, and is a mentor for many of the younger members at the Club. Nathan is also heavily involved in community service, ranging from donating blood at his high school, planting trees in a housing development, organizing food boxes for the less fortunate at the Bay Area Food Bank and volunteering time with the annual Black History Program. Nathan will be a senior at MurphyHigh School and plans to attend Cornell University.
Nathan credits the Boys & Girls Club in helping him change his attitude including his outlook on life. He is very focused and grounded. Nathan will receive a scholarship from the local organization, a $10,000 scholarship from the Beverly Burton Scholarship Trust ($2,500 per year for 4 years), as well as a scholarship from the Alabama Area Council. Photo Caption: (l-r) Philip Burton, son of Beverly Burton and CEO of the Trust; Ann Davis; Nathan Campbell; Nathan's mom; Linda, Cody Road Club Director; and Mary Zogby, Executive Director
PRCA Mobile Annual 2010 Think Event  PRCA Mobile will again be dedicating its October meeting to raise funds for a local charity and our own student scholarship fund. This year, we will be sharing the proceeds with Mary's Shelter Gulf Coast. The shelter provides food, clothing, shelter and transportation for homeless pregnant women, children and infants. We'll be hosting a silent auction during our monthly luncheon at the Ashbury Inn & Suites on Oct. 21 to raise money. Last year's event raised more than $1,800 for the Exchange Club Family Center of Mobile. So mark your calendars for this year's Think event, and bring a friend! West Alabama Chapter News The West Alabama Chapter kicked off the summer with joint meetings with the Tuscaloosa Chapter of the American Advertising Federation. PRCA West Alabama hosted the July meeting at which Edith Parten, communication director/Gulf Coast regional director, Alabama Tourism Department, talked about the tourism department's year of campaigns and how the Gulf oil spill had affected tourism along the Alabama coastline. The meeting was well attended and Parten fielded several questions from both groups.
Also in July, PRCA West Alabama, in partnership with the Hilton Garden Inn, began its "Stuff the Bus" campaign during the Chamber of Commerce's monthly after-hours event. A mini-bus was parked at the hotel and collections boxes were placed at six Tuscaloosa Park and Recreation Authority locations and the United Way office. Supplies and money also were collected at chapter meetings. The drive ended Aug. 31. All donations were given to the United Way to disperse to Tuscaloosa city and county schools based on the greatest need.
The chapter also is working with its student chapter to assist United Cerebral Palsy of West Alabama with the communication aspect its annual fundraiser. Tracy Sims, vice president for students for PRCA West Alabama Chapter, led a summer class at The University of Alabama in developing four packets for UCP. The students made their presentations and one packet was selected for the agency's use. The chapter's practitioners will be asked to evaluate the student effort and provide constructive feedback.
This month, the chapter will host its annual PR Toolbox workshop on Sept. 23 at Tuscaloosa Toyota. David DeSantis, general manager of Tuscaloosa Toyota, will talk about maintaining public trust and how Toyota did that during the recall of its vehicles. Also, Tonya Nelson of Spark Creative+Communication will discuss how, when and at what price to hire a freelancer, and Karen Yarbrough and Barbara Nash will share information on crisis communication. Although the workshop targets non-profit and small-shop communicators, some of the information will be of interest to seasoned public relations professionals.
North Alabama Chapter News
Response. Recovery. Reality.
Our September Membership Lunch and Annual Professional Development Seminar will feature Crisis Communications. Learn from a real life situation and leave with a plan for your organization. Wednesday, September 22
Redstone Federal Credit Union Educational Center Membership Lunch 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Guest Speakers: Barbara Nash, APR & Karen Yarbrough "Managing the Unimaginable" The Discovery Middle School Shooting and what was learned Professional Development Workshop 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Guest Speaker: Dr. Joseph V. Trahan, III, APR, Fellow, PRSA "What to do When You are the News!" Developing a Crisis Communication Plan For more information: sonia.robinson@crestwoodmedcenter.com or amy.l.reagan@boeing.com. East Alabama hold successful philanthropy project
The 7th annual Great Grown Up Spelling Bee, the chapter's largest philanthropy project, was held July 29 at Saugahatchee Country Club in Opelika. Over the six years that the Grown Up Spelling Bee has taken place, more than $30,000 has been raised to benefit the tutoring programs for the Lee County Literacy Coalition. This year, the bee is estimated to have raised approximately $5,000.
PRCA State Conference 2011: In A Word
Writing for news media. Writing for the Web. Speechwriting. Visual communications. Telling your story. Telling your company's story. In public relations, it's all about the words. The Public Relations Council of Alabama will host its 2011 conference, "In A Word," on April 3-5 at the brand new Embassy Suites Birmingham-Hoover. Stay tuned in coming months for registration information, speaker announcements, call for Medallion Award entries and other conference news. For more information, contact conference@prcaonline.com. |
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About SPRF
Founded in 1972, SPRF is a regional network of nearly 1,500 public relations professionals from Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana and north Florida who share a common interest in the public relations profession.SPRF exists to further the professional and networking interests of today's public relations and communication professionals in private, public and nonprofit businesses and organizations. Along with networking, SPRF serves to advocate on behalf of and assist its members through ongoing professional development and defining ethical behavior.
SPRF, along with eight other regional and national public relations organizations, is a participating member of the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB), the national body which administers the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) mark. Members certified as APRs have successfully demonstrated competency in the knowledge, skills and abilities required to practice public relations effectively in today's business arena. |
SPRF wants your chapter news!
No matter how big or small, please make it a habit to send your chapter news to SPRF for posting region-wide. Make sure to check out the latest SPRF news on our website at www.sprf.org
Send us your job postings, new positions, chapter or member news.
You can do this by contacting Pam Swain at (662) 234-4651 or pam@oxfordms.com.
Pam Swain
VP Communications
Southern Public Relations Federation
THANK YOU!
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